Drew Farms

With an 18-16 win on Wednesday night, the Mustangs avoided elimination for the second night in a row to force a one game, winner take all Game 5.

The game that will determine this year's champ will be played Friday night at 7 PM.

Defending champions Floral Arts have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-five final round series of the playoffs. Floral Arts defeated the Nashoba Valley Veterinary Mustangs, 16-9, on Friday and then, 14-6, on Sunday.

Floral Arts 16 - Mustangs 9

In the first game, Floral Arts scored 7 in the first, including back-to-back home runs to start the game, and then never looked back. The Floral Arts outfield turned in two momentum shifting defensive plays: Roger Whittlesey threw out a runner attempting to tag on a long fly out to left, and Greg Marchand made a sliding play in short left center field and doubled off the runner caught in no man's land. Mike Alonardo, Jonathan Morgan (2), Jon Haslam (2) and Jim Peloquin all homered for Floral Arts. Don Cusano and Bill Knute (2) hit the long ball for Mustangs.

Floral Arts 14 - Mustangs 6

In game two, Mike Alonardo was 3-for-3 with 3 home runs and 7 RBI, and pitcher Larry Mardany did the rest, holding the Mustangs potent offense to just 6 runs. Roger Whittlesey, John Haslam, Greg Marchand, and Tom Semeter had multiple hit games for Floral Arts, while Don Cusano and Bill Knute homered for Mustangs. Defensive standouts included Jim Peloquin, John Haslam, and Greg Marchand for Floral Arts, and Mike Kennedy for Mustangs.

Semi-Final Round of the Playoffs:  Floral Arts defeated Mario's Restaurant in three straight games, and Nashoba Valley Veterinary Mustangs defeated Willis Tent in three straight to earn trip to the finals.

Mustangs 7 - Willis 5

Mustangs closed out the series clinching third game rain-soaked victory over Willis Tent, 7-5. Bill Knute's two run homer in the bottom of the 6th inning gave the Mustangs the lead that they would not relinquish. Jim Ward (3-for-3, run scored, 3 RBI) and Jay Dolan (2-for-3, 2 runs scored) set the table at the top of the Mustangs’ order. Jay Lincoln also chipped in with two hits for the winners. Jim Ward, Mark Cusano, and Mike Kennedy led the solid Mustang defense. Rob Swinamer hit a long home run for Willis Tent. Ironically, during the rainy post-game festivities, the Mustangs stayed dry under three tents, while Willis Tent did not pitch one.

Floral Arts 30 - Mario's Restaurant 12

Floral got contributions from up and down the lineup including a 4-for-4 performance out of the leadoff position from Roger Whittlesey en route to a 30-run night. Jim Peloquin, Greg Marchand, Simon Tripp (2), and Tom Semeter (2 including a grand slam) all hit homers for Floral. Larry Mardany took a shutout into the 5th before Mario's exploded for 8 runs, including a pair of two-run home runs. Tony DeAntonis tacked on another 2-run shot in Mario's 4-run 6th inning to get to the final margin of victory. Ron Paulaskas, John Haslam, and Billy Luppold chipped in with other key hits for the winners.

The defending champs have taken a commanding 2 games to none lead in the final round of the playoffs.  Floral Arts defeated the Mustangs 16-9 on Friday and then 14-6 on Sunday.

In the first game, Floral Arts scored 7 in the first, including back to back home runs to start the game, and never looked back. The Floral outfield turned in two momentum shifting defensive plays - - Roger Whittlesey threw out a runner attempting to tag on a long fly out to left, and Greg Marchand made a sliding play in short left center field and doubled off the runner caught in no man's land. Mike Alonardo, Jonathan Morgan (2), Jon Haslam (2) and Jim Peloquin all homered for Floral. Don Cusano and Bill Knute(2) hit the long ball for Mustangs. 

In game two, Mike Alonardo was 3-3 with 3 HR and 7 RBI, and Larry Mardany did the rest, holding the Mustangs potent offense to just 6 runs. Roger Whittlesey, John Haslam, Greg Marchand, and Tom Semeter had multiple hit games for Floral, while Don Cusano and Bill Knute homered for Mustangs. Defensive standouts included Jim Peloquin, John Haslam, and Greg Marchand for Floral, and Mike Kennedy for Mustangs. 

The series continues on Tuesday, when the regular season champs attempt to extend the series.  Game time is 7 PM.

Regular Season:  Mustangs (21 Wins - 3 Losses)

Play Off Champions:  After a bye in the Opening Round, Floral Arts Defeated Mario's Restaurant (3 Games to 0) and the Mustangs (3 Games to 2).

Willis Tent knocked out Pro Sports Therapy in the first round of the playoffs, but has lost two in a row against the Nashoba Valley Veterinary Hospital Mustangs and now stands on the edge of elimination in the best of five series. Also, Mario’s Restaurant, after eliminating Drew Farms in three games in the first round, is down 2-0 against reigning champs Floral Arts.

Mustangs 10 - Willis 8

Home runs by Don Cusano, Mike Kennedy, and Jack Erickson led the Nashoba Valley Veterinay Hospital Mustangs to a 10-8 game one victory over Willis Tent. Steve Damiani kept the game close for Willis with two three run homers. Mike Kennedy, Jim Ward, Bill Knute, Craig Smith, and Dan Crogan provided excellent defense for the winners.

Mustangs 20 - Willis 8

In a well-balanced offensive attack, 15 different Mustangs combined for 27 hits and 13 Mustangs scored at least one run in the 20-8 victory over Willis Tent. Bill Knute and Don Cusano each contributed a home run blast to the Mustangs cause. Knute was one of four Mustangs with three RBI apiece. Brian Foley, Jay Lincoln, and Paul Ligouri (3-for-3, 2 runs scored, 3 RBI) all had multiple hit games to go along with their runs batted in. Defensively for the Mustangs, Craig Smith continued to make spectacular plays from his short fielder position, while Jim Ward and Bill Knute patrolled the outfield with great skill. Mike Kennedy and Paul Selfrige led the Mustangs' stellar infield defense.

Floral Arts 14 - Mario’s Restaurant 5

Floral exploded for 7 runs in the first inning, detonated by a 3-run home run by Jim Peloquin, and capped the evening with 4 runs in the sixth, highlighted by a Simon Tripp -3-run blast. Larry Mardany pitched well in the win, and other key offensive contributors included Dean Wormell, Geoff Pavao, and Frank Lancelotta (home run). Than Nguyen homered and had multiple hits for Mario’s.

Floral Arts 15 - Mario’s Restaurant 2

Floral Arts scratched for runs early, then put up 9 in the fifth to put a close game out of reach. Larry Mardany carried a shutout into the sixth inning before surrendering a home run to Dave Batchelder, and was ably backed up by some sparkling defense. Home runs by Jim Peloquin (2), Jonathan Morgan (grand slam), Mike Alonardo, Frank Lancelotta, and Simon Tripp, and multiple hits by Tom Lester, Dean Wormell, and Mike Spanos helped Floral Arts gain a comfortable lead and cruise to the win.